INFO-BUG

Crop Selected: Soybean
Crop Development: Bloom to pod-set
Pest Selected: Spider Mites, Tetranychus spp.

Biology

The most common spider mite is the two spotted spider mite (T. urticae).

Spider mites are microscopic in size, but they build up in significant numbers to the point that their feeding causes the leaves to yellow prematurely.

This problem is generally most serious under dry conditions, and may be especially obvious near the edge of the field.

Click to see

Spider mite damage to soybean leaf

Assessment

Infestaitons generally begin near the field perimeter near grassy areas. As populations build up, they spin webbing which helps mite dispersal throughout the field.

If yellow speckling of foliage is observed throughout the field and small mites can be found on the underside of the leaves, a rescue treatment may be warranted.

A decision to treat is in part dependent on prevailing and forecasted weather conditions. If dry conditions continue, a mite problem will continue. However, heavy rains will decimate a mite population and reduce the problem.

Control

Treatment options for control of spider mites are limited. Materials currently recommended for control include:

Dimethoate 400 @ 1 pt/A and 2.67 @ 1 1/3 pt/A
Dimate 4E @ 1 pt/A and 2.67 @ 1 3/8 pt/A
Lorsban* 4E @ 1/2-1 pt/A
Warrior* 1CS @ 3.84 fl oz/A

* Use is restricted to certified applicator

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